Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Separate academic integrity policy effective December 5, 2023

Faculty members submit Academic Integrity Violation reports electronically for violations found in coursework

Title IX/sexual misconduct matters handled through dedicated Sexual Misconduct policy procedures

Advisor role restricted in academic integrity matters - may only communicate with party being supported

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Slippery Rock?

Office of Student Conduct (OSC) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Slippery Rock. University Conduct Boards are made up of a non-voting chairperson, who is a university employee, and a voting panel comprised of three employees and one student. In academic integrity matters at least one panel employee must be a faculty member, and in sexual misconduct matters students are not selected to serve as panel members. Violations of Student Code of Conduct by students and student organizations

What is the evidence standard at Slippery Rock?

Slippery Rock applies preponderance of the evidence under Student Code of Conduct (22 Pa. Code Chapter 505 and Board of Governors Policy 1984-13-A). Office of Student Conduct uses this standard when determining whether a student is responsible for an alleged violation. The evidence standard is critical because it determines how strong the evidence must be before a finding of responsibility can be made.

What rights do I have during a Slippery Rock conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct, students facing a Office of Student Conduct proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to fair and orderly process; reasonably specific advanced written notice containing description of alleged violations including time, date, place and description of prohibited conduct; attend hearing with advisor of choice; present evidence and witnesses. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Slippery Rock?

Referrals reviewed by Assistant Dean of Students (Student Conduct) or designee. Notice of Charges issued if sufficient evidence exists to support possible finding of responsibility.

What sanctions can Slippery Rock impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Conduct can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including educational outcomes with possible stipulations, disciplinary probation, suspension, and more serious outcomes including suspension and expulsion. The specific sanction depends on the facts, the student's prior record, and any mitigating factors presented during the proceeding. Sanction-phase advocacy is often as important as the responsibility phase, since even a first finding can carry long-term consequences on transcripts and graduate school applications.

How do I appeal a decision at Slippery Rock, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Slippery Rock is Seven calendar days of transmission of finding (academic integrity). Student may appeal finding and/or sanction of charged violation. For academic integrity violations, appeals must be submitted electronically within seven calendar days of transmission of finding. For general conduct matters, appeal procedures follow Student Code of Conduct requirements. Appeal grounds typically include challenge to finding of responsibility, challenge to sanction imposed. Appeals that succeed are usually the ones that ground each argument in the record and the specific policy language, not emotional or general objections.

Can I bring an advisor to my Slippery Rock hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct, students have the right to attend hearing with advisor of choice. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Slippery Rock's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Slippery Rock the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Slippery Rock Office of Student Conduct proceeding?

In most cases, no. Slippery Rock's proceedings follow university policy under Student Code of Conduct, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands Slippery Rock's specific procedures, the evidence standard, and how sanctions are assessed. An education advocate typically provides stronger, more targeted guidance than a general-practice attorney because the body of law here is university policy, not criminal or civil procedure. AdvocatED brings deep, specialized expertise in these exact processes at a fraction of a law firm's cost.

How does Slippery Rock handle Title IX cases?

Slippery Rock handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Karla Fonner, Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator. Contact: 275 Campus Success Center, 724.738.2953, karla.fonner@sru.edu. University complies with Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972. Reports of sexual misconduct including sexual harassment and sexual assault should be made to Title IX Coordinator or through CARE report (may be made anonymously). Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Slippery Rock, you should not conflate the process with general conduct cases, and you should respond carefully to any notice you receive.

What are the most common academic misconduct violations at Slippery Rock?

At Slippery Rock, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism and submitting work of another as own; unauthorized assistance on assignments or exams; buying, selling, or trading papers or assignments; fabricating information or research results. Knowing which violation is alleged is the foundation of an effective defense, because the response strategy differs substantially based on whether the case involves plagiarism, AI use, exam cheating, collaboration, or a procedural technicality.

What are the key deadlines in a Slippery Rock conduct case?

At Slippery Rock, the most consequential deadlines are: Seven calendar days from transmission of academic integrity finding to appeal (absent extraordinary circumstances); Two days in advance of academic integrity board hearing to notify chair of advisor or additional witnesses. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Conduct, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.